February 2015

The Green Matters e-newsletter is designed to give you a quick glimpse of important sustainability initiatives happening around the metro Atlanta region and beyond. Whether it's the latest research, new educational offerings, environmental stewardship efforts, or potential funding opportunities, this e-newsletter will help you stay abreast of what's happening in this important subject area.

Do hybrid, electric vehicles pay off for Fort Collins?

Hybrid and electric technology could be a financial game-changer for Northern Colorado municipalities, if they're willing to wait for the savings it brings.

Although purchasing green vehicles is often more costly up front, cities like Fort Collins say the initial cost is worth the payoff in the long run.

Based on the vehicle's lifetime costs, a Ford Fusion hybrid purchased by Fort Collins in 2012 will be $11,460 cheaper than its gas-powered counterpart purchased by the city in the same year, according to a Coloradoan analysis of three city-owned vehicles.

A Nissan Leaf, purchased by the city in 2013, will save a projected $21,625 over the gas-powered Ford Fusion. Ben Prochazka, of Electrification Coalition, estimates that fueling a Nissan Leaf for 90,000 miles would cost around $2,160, depending on electricity costs, bringing those savings to just under $20,000.

And the city continues to find ways to save money while greening its fleet.

Continue reading to discover how…

Seven Communities Commit to Sustainability

Seven local governments in the 10-county region were recently recognized for their leadership in implementing policies and practices that contribute to efficient and sustainable use of resources in metro Atlanta. Four counties and three cities obtained certification in the agency’s five-year-old Green Communities program.

The following communities received certification points for their programs and policies to reduce their environmental impact:

City of Alpharetta – Recertified Gold
Cherokee County – Recertified Bronze
City of Decatur – Recertified, upgraded to Platinum
DeKalb County – Upgraded to Silver
Fulton County – Recertified Bronze
Gwinnett County – Upgraded to Gold
City of Sandy Springs – Certified Bronze

Several firsts were achieved this year; the City of Decatur was the first local government to reach Platinum certification – the highest level, Gwinnett County was the first county to reach Gold certification, and the City of Sandy Springs became certified for the first time.

Watch the video >

Chicken Fedoras and Serious Savings – Energy Efficiency Gamification

Be an Energy Rockstar Contest – The Hall family of Bellevue, WA turned off their lights, unplugged all nonessential appliances, cooked their meals outside, and used computers at the library instead of at home. In one month, they reduced their energy consumption by 94%, easily winning the grand prize—a $7,500 Lowe’s gift card.
Ugliest Lighting Contest – The City of Palo Alto, CA got its citizens to submit pictures of their most hideous incandescent or halogen lighting by offering the winner $400 toward an LED upgrade. The contest helped draw attention to the city’s many rebate programs for other efficiency upgrades, like appliances and solar panels.
Energy Chickens – In this game you are responsible for the health and well-being of a small group of adorable chickens living on a virtual farm. The catch? Each chicken represents a light or electronic device in your office. Left your printer on all night? Prepare to see that chicken looking withered and green the next morning. Remembered to turn off your computer? That chicken will grow and thrive. Keep up the good energy-saving behavior and your chickens will start laying eggs, which you can use in the virtual general store to buy things like flowers, fruit bushes, and yes, fedoras for your chickens.

Check out ACEEE’s analysis of over 53 energy efficiency games and apps